Swope Park Rangers signs ex-Benfica winger Robert Mirosavic

The Swope Park Rangers have signed Swedish winger Robert Mirosavic, the club announced on Monday. Mirosavic played under current SPR head coach Nikola Popovic at Benfica, and will join the Rangers pending the receipt of his P-1 Visa, International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and pending USL and federation approval.

“I’m very excited to start playing for the Swope Park Rangers,” Mirosavic said. “I’m very happy because I’ve known Nikola Popovic for a long time, I know how he wants to play and I feel like I fit in his game. It’s a good step for me in my career.”

“Robert was an extremely promising players when he was younger, so we’re very happy to have him here,” Swope Park Rangers head coach Nikola Popovic said. “He has excellent characteristics to play anywhere in the front line. I think it’s a very good addition for the club.”

Mirosavic was born and raised in Ängelholm, Sweden and joined local club Helsingborg IF’s Academy. After scoring 49 goals in 45 games for the club’s youth sides, Mirosavic spent time on trial at Arsenal in 2011 before opting to join Portuguese side Benfica in 2012 amid interest from Real Madrid.

The 22-year-old spent two years at Benfica, playing alongside current Rangers midfielder Kevin Oliveira in the club’s Academy. In 2014, Mirosavic returned to Sweden to join hometown club Ängelholms FF, making 15 appearances for the side in all competitions – scoring the winning goal in a Swedish Cup victory over Sävedalens IF.

In early 2016, Mirosavic moved to fellow Swedish outfit Högaborgs BK – the same club where former Barcelona, Manchester United and Celtic forward Henrik Larsson began his career.

On the international stage, Mirosavic has represented Sweden at various youth levels and captained Sweden Under-17 National Team in the 2012 UEFA U-17 Championship qualifiers.